Your Guide to Streaming Wireless Video

WirelessHD

WirelessHD is a powerful technology that uses the 60 GHz spectrum to send data and stream media, allowing for HDMI-quality video and audio. In other words, what you see on the receiving device should be of equal quality to the original source. That’s good news considering WirelessHD packs certification to stream Blu-ray discs.

Because the 60 GHz spectrum loses potency each time it passes through a wall, WiHD is recommended for connecting devices in the same room. WiHD is also a speedy source for data transfers; it can move files at 1 to 2 Gbps. Broadcom, Intel, LG, NEC, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, SiBEAM, Sony, and Toshiba are founding members of the WirelessHD Consortium.

Available Gear: You can get WirelessHD inside the Alienware M17x gaming notebook as a $229 option, which comes with a receiver for your TV. Or a four-port Wireless HD Kit is available from Rocketfish via Best Buy for $199. Another gaming rig with WirelessHD is the ASUS G73 ($1,799; usa.asus.com). Television fans should check out the Panasonic Z1 ($1,473; www.panasonic.com).

What’s next: WirelessHD will ship baked into television sets such as the LG LHX ($2,195; www.lg.com) and the Sony XBR10 ($4,049). Abocom, a Taiwanese ODM, plans to release a WirelessHD docking station that charges and streams HD video from the iPad and iPhone to a television set. LG, Monster, and Vizio are also slated to offer more adapter options later this year.